When Paul Met Artie

Written by G. Neri, Illustrated by David Litchfield

I knew Simon and Garfunkel were one of my favorite singing duos. I know the words to many of their songs, and I own some of their albums. It wasn’t until I read this book that I realized all that I didn’t know about these two legendary performers. This book is stunning. Written in poetic text, with detailed digitally rendered illustrations, I learned that the two boys were born 3 weeks apart and went to school together. Their first performance was in a school play where they played the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat. Every step of their friendship, and on again-off again career/ relationship, is explained. I found myself looking up videos and listening to each song as I read about its inception. Other artists they worked with and were influenced by are included in this biography, including Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. I was fascinated to learn that one of their first big hit songs, “The Sound of Silence,” was written in response to a stunned nation after the JFK assassination. This book is a must read for any fan of Simon and Garfunkel.

Review by Terrie Bishop, Academy Park Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-12

When Paul Met Artie
Written by G. Neri, Illustrated by David Litchfield
Candlewick Press
48 pages
Release Date: March 20, 2018
A review copy was provided by the publisher.